Q Won't taking herbal medicine make drowsiness worse? I heard it contains sedative ingredients.
A The Bojungikgitang and Chongmyungtang series are not prescriptions intended for sedation or sleep induction. Rather, they are focused on increasing daytime alertness by acting to boost Spleen Qi and clear the mind.
Detailed Answer
While some herbal prescriptions (Ansin-ryu) aim for a sedative effect, the herbal medicine series used for narcolepsy, which boosts and nourishes vital energy, is a prescription designed to replenish Spleen Qi so that clear Yang Qi rises upward. The herbal medicine series that aids memory and concentration also works by reinforcing Heart Qi to enhance focus and memory. Since these prescriptions focus on solidifying the body's foundation for alertness rather than acting in the opposite direction to stimulants, there is little concern that daytime drowsiness will worsen.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
When designing a prescription, sedative ingredients are minimized by considering the patient's constitution and current medications. Since daytime alertness and drowsiness frequency are monitored together within two weeks of administration to adjust the approach, a rapid response can be made if the initial reaction differs from expectations.
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